September Empties

L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Shampoo // L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Conditioner // Sure Crystal Invisible Anti-Perspirant Spray // Bioderma Sebium H20 Micelle Solution // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash // La Roche Posay Effaclar H // Impulse Body Spray in Tease // Origins Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment // Barry M Lash Vegas Black Mascara // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer 

L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Shampoo & L'Oreal EverSleek Smoothing & Moisture Conditioner - I actually enjoyed using this shampoo and conditioner. I purchased these when they were on offer and if I see them on offer again, I will repurchase. They claim to contain no sulphates and no silicone but it does contain sodium lauryl sulfoacetate  and a few other ingredients which feature words similar to sulphate. Now I'm not a chemistry expert so I don't know if they are sulphates or not. (After a quick Google Search, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate is actually a cheat detergent and is a natural ingredient. So they're actually really good although I've only researched that one ingredient! Can anyone else shed any light?)

Sure Crystal Invisible Anti-Perspirant Spray - I debated whether to include deodorant in my empties but I have before and after all, it is a product I've finished and I'd like to share my opinion. At first, I wasn't sure about the new smaller, compressed sprays but after using a few now, they actually last a really long time. I find the scent of this particular deodorant to be pleasant and it does it job! 

Bioderma Sebium H20 Micelle Solution - I haven't repurchased this yet but I might do as it's pretty good. I may even give the original a try as my skin isn't as bad as it used to be. I haven't used it to remove mascara yet; just my face make up, but I know a few people who do and they say it removes waterproof mascara effectively. Considering I haven't found an eye make up remover that does yet, I might as well go for a recommendation and give it a try. 

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - This is a great eye make up remover for regular mascara but it does absolutely nothing for waterproof mascara even though it claims to do so! Since my wedding, I have worn waterproof mascara more than usual as I have a fab No7 mascara, but I'm always put off as I don't have any way to fully remove it. Hopefully, Bioderma will work when I give it a try. 

Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash - I think this has featured in my empties before. It does an ok job and I've repurchased it several times but I am looking for an alternative cream wash that does a better job. If you recommend one, please let me know. I prefer a cream wash as it's easy to use and easy to take off. I have oil cleansers and balm cleansers but I find them a bit of a faff and sometimes I'm too lazy! 

La Roche Posay Effaclar H - I purchased this from Escentual (I think). I thought it would be worth a try as I love Effaclar Duo / Duo [+] but I wasn't that blown away. It's a moisturiser aimed at oily skin which has been weakened by over-drying treatments. I used it in the morning and in the evening but didn't notice any real difference in my skin. The tube is 40ml but it didn't last me very long. As you can see I've squeezed every last bit out which was very difficult as the plastic tube is so tough. 

Impulse Body Spray in Tease - My faithful body spray. I'm actually running low in back ups so I best stock up soon! I'm down to my last two and one is in my handbag. I haven't tried a different scent like I said in last month's empties as I already had these but now I need to stock up, I may just do that! I only buy in bulk when they are 99p/£1 so I'm on the lookout! 

Origins Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment - I actually got this in the Christmas sales last year in an Origins gift set. I'm a hand cream obsessive and I always have about 5 tubes in back up so I didn't start using it till recently. I absolutely loved the hand cream though and I will definitely be checking out the full version. It soothed and moisturised my hands, absorbed quickly and it smelt gorgeous. 

Barry M Lash Vegas Black Mascara - I'm not sure what I thought of this mascara. It wasn't the best mascara I've ever used and it certainly wasn't the worst. It did it's job but it could have been better. I wasn't a fan of the wand and I found that mascara clung to it which I had to wipe off before application. To begin with, it was quite a wet mascara which I'm not a fan of but once it had dried out a little, it was a little easier to work with. I wouldn't repurchase it again though. 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Everyone's favourite concealer! I think I'm going off it though. I don't know why. I just don't feel like it's been covering up blemishes that well recently. I had loads of back ups but I'm actually down to my last one now so I may give another concealer a try. Any recommendations? 

Rachel x

2014 Wishlist

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede // Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick // Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush // Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water // Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster // Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate // Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush // Origins Clear Improvement Mask

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede - I fell in love with this purfume at Vogue's Fashion Night Out which is when my nose first experienced the beautiful scent of Peonies. I'm going to be having peonies in my bouquet when I get married in August so I would absolutely love this to be my wedding scent. I'm waiting until it's a little bit closer to August as I'll be too tempted to use it before the big day. I love the idea of having a new scent for your wedding day. That way you will be reminded of your special days for years to come when you spray that purfume. 

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick - The only 'high end' lipstick I own is MAC Creme Cup. Don't get me wrong, I love that lipstick, everything from the scent to the packaging but I hate going to a MAC counter. I know I'm not alone in this. I have decided I'm going to use my Boots points to treat myself to a high end lipstick. I was unsure between Chanel and YSL and to be honest, I still am. YSL are winning slightly as the packaging is irresistible! Have you tried Chanel or YSL lipsticks? Which do you recommend? 

Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush & Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush - I owe lots of Real Techniques brushes and I use them on a daily basis. They are fantastic quality, they apply make up beautifully and they wash really well. The ones I don't have, I don't want as I manage with the ones I've got and they don't really fit in with my routine. Often, I have wanted to pop a brush in my bag to touch up throughout the day/evening but I have been put off in case the brush got ruined or dirty. Cue retractable brushes! Genius! I have used retractable brushes before but the quality was horrendous. I'm looking forward to topping up my make up with a clean, protected brush. I've got my eyes on both of these brushes! 

Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water - I tried three different Micellar Waters last year; Bioderma, La Roche-Posay and L'Oreal. I wasn't too impressed with the L'Oreal one to be honest and Bioderma was definitely my favourite. I have actually just repurchased it. I'm interested to see if the Garnier version differs from the L'Oreal one and if it compares to Bioderma or La Roche-Posay. It's great that high street brands are attempting to make products affordable and accessible to everyone. 

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Booster - Hydraluron is a product that is mentioned on a daily basis in the blogosphere. I suffer from oily skin but that doesn't mean my skin isn't dehydrated and thirsty for moisture. I can tell the days when my skin is looking a bit lifeless and grey. I think tiredness also affects me. Hydraluron is a serum that is applied before moisturiser and it helps to draw moisture into the skin. (I think!) Dehtdration can lead to premature aging and an increase in moisture levels will lead to an increase in skins elasticity. 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - Last year, I attended a Kiehl's event and I received a sample of their famous Midnight Recovery. It's such a luxury product and I want it in my life. It's a product you use every night with the mantra one night, two drops. I haven't been using it every night as I only have a small sample but once I finally get my hands on a full size bottle, I will be using it every night. It costs £36 for 30ml so I may after wait until after our wedding and honeymoon. Weddings are expensive don't you know! 

Origins Clear Improvement Mask - At the moment, my skin is a mess. That's honestly the best word I can use to describe it. I think it's a combination of eating too much cheese lately along with stress. I've always suffered from spots, sometimes worse than others but at the moment it's the worst it's ever been. This mask is £22 for 100ml and I may have to treat myself and my skin. This mask claims to "gets to the bottom of skins overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best." Drawing out impurities and absorbing pollutants, it's sure to only improve my skin.

What's on your wishlist? Do you recommend any of these products?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

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What I Bought in the Christmas Sales

I was lucky enough to receive some money for Christmas so I decided to treat myself and buy some things which I would have loved to receive at Christmas. At midnight on Christmas Day, I was on Space NK waiting for the half price sale. I think I managed to pick up two really good deals and I cannot wait for them to arrive and start using them (after I've photographed them of course!) As well as purchasing a newbie which wasn't in the sale but I needed a new cleanser. 

Firstly, I bought my very first Diptyque perfume which I am extremely excited about and I managed to get it for £34 instead of £68! I actually chose it without smelling it which I think is very brave of me but the description sounded beautiful and I couldn't resist. Do you own L'ombre Dans L'Eau? What do you think of it? My second Space NK purchase was my very first Laura Mercier product(s). I managed to grab the Creme Brulee Bath & Body set for £15 instead of £30. Bargain! I cannot wait to have a luxurious bath when it arrives. Lastly, I needed a new cleanser so I decided to have a look at what Space NK had to offer in terms of skincare. REN is a brand I haven't tried before but I've only heard good things. I decided to pick up the Rosa Centifolia Foaming Cleanser. It wasn't in the sale but I decided to give it a try anyway. 

Next up, on Friday, I braved the crowds and headed to The Trafford Centre. I obviously headed to Boots for the infamous half price sale. I have to say, I was fairly well behaved as I had spent £62 on Space NK. Here's what I managed to pick up from Boots, Lush and Cath Kidston. 

From Boots, I picked up this delicious smelling candle and diffuser set in the scent mulled wine and cinnamon. I was going to save it for next year but I have already displayed them in my living room, I couldn't resist. I haven't lit the candle yet but if I want to, I won't stop myself. It was only £7.50 in the sale for both. I also picked up a real bargain from Origins! I'm actually so excited about this find! It was the last one in Boots and I'm not surprised. It's the Merry Moisturisers set, which contains Make A Difference Plus + Rejuvenating Moisturiser which is £34 alone, Make A Difference Plus + Rejuvenating Treatment Lotion, Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment and Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. I'm so excited to try everything in this set and I got a real bargain at £19 instead of £29! Finally, I picked up a 2014 diary in the form of this adorable Winnie The Pooh design. I am going to use it to plan blog posts and I have already made a start! 

My next stop was Cath Kidston where I picked up a large zip wallet to store make up products in my handbag and a glasses case as I recently got some new glasses and the case that Boots gave me is uninspiring. My final destination was Lush where I managed to pick up a Magic Wand Bubble Bar for £2.47. I haven't used this before but it smells amazing and is making my whole house smell incredible. 

I enjoyed the sales this year but I do wish I had the patience to raid rails as I could have done with some new clothes. Oh well, maybe next year! 

What did you pick up in the sales? Did you get any serious bargains?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

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November Empties

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo // Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner (for dry or damaged hair) // Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Repair Mask // Origins Super Spot Remover // Simple Eye Make-Up Remover // Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser // Impulse Tease Body Spray // Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer // Collection Colour Lash Clear Mascara // Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo & Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner (for dry or damaged hair) - This is possibly my favourite shampoo and conditioner that I have tried to date. There are no nasties, they smell nice, my hair feels clean (but not squeaky clean) afterwards, my hair is conditioned and free from tangles. It's the second time I have purchased the duo and I will purchase them again once I have used up others that I have. I have a full review, which goes into more detail, here. 

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Repair Mask - This mask helped to condition my hair as it is very dry but I wasn't amazed. It contains sulphates and some other nasty ingredients so I was tempted to just throw it away or give it away but I finished it anyway. It smelt lovely but I'd prefer clean ingredients over a scent. Therefore, I won't be purchasing it again.

Simple Eye Make-Up Remover - I've lost count of how many bottles of this I've gone through in the years but it's a lot! I actually have a spare in my drawer for when my current one runs out. I used to use it to remove all my make up but these days, I just use it to remove eye make up as I use a Micellar water to remove the rest of my make up before cleansing. 

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - This is a smaller sized pump that I received from Liz Earle when I ordered a lot of products. I think it was to say thank you or something. I saved it for a while as it's the perfect size for travelling and I actually took it to Ireland with me in August. Once I was home and I had finished my normal sized C&P, I finished this one off so it didn't go off before the next time I travelled. I won't go into any details about the product as I have mentioned it many many times on my blog and you can read my full review here. 

Impulse Tease Body Spray - There's not much I can say about this body spray that I haven't already said. It's great to throw in your handbag and I use it at work so my beautiful perfumes aren't wasted on those snotty children! I love the scent, it's definitely my favourite Impulse scent. What's your favourite Impulse scent?

Origins Super Spot Remover - I bought this about a year ago and even though the bottle is tiny, it lasts a long time. At first, I was using it every morning and evening and it was hardly going down. To be honest, I didn't notice much difference with my spots. It definitely didn't remove any of mine. I know people  love this product but it's just not for me. I just used it to finish it off in the past few months. 

Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer - This is my under eye concealer as it does a great job of disguising dark circles. It's quite liquidy but this makes it easy to blend and doesn't create dragging. I'm not sure it particularly lasts all day but at £4, I can't complain! Which concealer do you use under your eyes? 

Collection Colour Lash Clear Mascara - I use this as my brow mascara. It's super dirty! I've just stocked up on the 3 for 2 in Boots and I plan on just using one for two months before opening a new one. Because I can see how dirty it gets in the packaging, I don't want to use it on my brows for much longer! It's only £1.99 and even though there are probably better brow products out there, this does the job and I don't mind throwing it away after 2 months. 

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait - I think this may be the first 'lipstick' I've ever finished. I know it technically isn't a lipstick but it's the first lip product in a bullet form that I've finished. I've actually already repurchased this along with Cotton Candy. I love lip butters as they are easy to apply and the colours I have are perfect for everyday wear. 

Which products have you used up this month? Have you been loving any of these products?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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May Empties

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - This will come as no surprise. I have been using Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish for a year and a half now. Besides my hormonal acne, my skin is lovely. The texture and appearance of my skin is clear and smooth. I just have the odd areas of acne, which is really getting to me but that's another story. 

Cath Kidston Wild Rose Hand Cream - I got this in a gift set, either for my birthday or Christmas, I can't remember which. I love most of the Cath Kidston prints so someone decided the gift set would make a good present. They were right. It included this hand cream, a cuticle cream and a nail file. I absolutely loved using the hand cream. It smells delicious - wild roses - and absorbs quickly without being sticky or wet. I would definitely repurchase again, I know they do bigger tubes in store. 

Charlie Pink Body Fragrance Spray - I usually just stick with my Impulse body spray but I think this was only 99p so I picked it up. It has been in my handbag for a few months just in case I ever needed a quick fragrance boost! I like the scent but when I think of Charlie purfume, I think if teenagers. To be honest, it's the same with Impulse but I love Tease to much to stop buying it! 

Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo - No I don't have a baby and no I don't wash my hair with baby shampoo. I use it to deep clean my make up brushes. A lot of people recommend baby shampoo to clean make up brushes as it's gentle and it conditions at the same time. I don't get any bristles falling out (I use Real Technique brushes) and my brushes feel like new again. I try to deep clean my brushes once and week, if I remember I do! I don't spot clean though so I feel like maybe I should deep clean them twice a week! How often do you clean your brushes? 

Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara - I have been using this mascara for years and years but I haven't bought another since this one. I have been using the Liz Earle one ever since I got it and it is definitely my new favourite mascara. However before I buy a new mascara, I have quite a few that I need to use first. It shouldn't take me too long as mascaras don't last very long. I haven't been able to wear mascara for the last two days because of stupid hayfever! My eyes have just been too sore to even go there! I love Summer but hayfever is one thing that really gets on my nerves! 

Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer - I've lost count of how many of these I have gone through. It's been a fair few though! I use it as an under eye concealer (and I use Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer on my spots and blemishes). It's not too thick for the eye area and blends in nicely using a brush or my fingers. I either buy shade 1 or 2. While my face is quite pale, shade 1 is definitely better. Whilst shade 2 is best for when I have a tan, natural or not!

Origins Out Of Trouble Mask (sample) - I asked for this sample whilst in the Origins store in Boots, Manchester. I managed  to get 2 or 3 uses from this pot, which is a pretty generous sample. I really liked the face mask and I enjoyed using it. I am thinking about purchasing it but I am hoping to book in for a complimentary facial, if they still do them, and I will make sure that it is the right mask for my skin type before actually repurchasing it.

Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair - I purchased this eye cream quite a few months ago and this tiny little tube has lasted a long time. I have already repurchased it as I love using it so much. It is so moisturising on the eye area and refreshing in the morning. I apply it after moisturising and I don't have to wait long before it has sunk in and I'm ready to apply my make up. It's perfect for me as I haven't got time to sit around and wait in the morning. (I already waste enough time catching up on Bloglovin' and YouTube!)

Which products have you used up this month? Have you been loving any of these products?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

Origins Super Spot Remover - Review

 

Origins Super Spot Remover £13

After reading several million(!) reviews online and the fact that there was a massive hype about this product, I decided to purchase it. I actually bought it from the John Lewis counter in the Trafford Centre. On the day, there was 10% off everything. Bonus! I was served by a very helpful, young woman, she asked about my skin and told me about the different products that would be suitable for me. I actually really wanted to buy the Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Pads as well, but I decided to see if the gel worked first.

The directions on the packaging advise applying a thin layer 1 to 3 times daily. The woman that spoke to me at the counter advised me slightly differently. I followed her recommendations rather than the directions on the packaging. She suggested using the product once a day, at night time, after cleansing. This was based on the gel turning white after it had dried. However, since using it for a month I haven't noticed it turning white.

I suffer from mild acne, since using the gel my spots have improved slightly but this may be down to the antibiotics that I am on for them. I haven't noticed a difference in the small spots that I have but when I apply the gel (with a cotton bud) to new, bigger spots I do notice a difference in the size and redness but the spot doesn't disappear completely. Which I found disappointing as the product is called Super Spot Remover!

As I said above, I have been using this product for a month now. I apply it once a day, at night time, after I have used Liz Earle Daily Essentials. Since using Liz Earle skin care products, being on antibiotics and using this gel my skin has improved so much. But my spots haven't vanished completely, which is disappointing. I would have to say that I don't believe the gel is worth the hype or the £13, this is my personal opinion. There are lots of reviews out there and the majority can't praise it enough. But it doesn't do anything for me or my skin and for that reason, I will not repurchase. However, I will continue to use it till it's gone! Maybe, I will try to use it twice a day. I'm just unsure whether it can be applied on top of make up or not. I won't give up just yet!

Have you used Origins Super Spot Remover? Have you tried the Spot Blemish Treatment Pads?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick 

Mini Haul #1

 Blue Skinny Chinos Forever 21 £18.75

Plum Skinny Jeans Life In Progress at Forever 21 £19.75

Powder Brush Real Techniques £12.99 

Foundation Brush Real Techniques £9.99 

Super Spot Remover Origins £13 

Creme Cup Lipstick MAC £14

Wish List #1

Moroccan Oil Treatment 

Models Own Nail Polish Ice Cream Sundae Box Set

Liz Earle Perfect Fix Concealer

Benefit Hervana

Origins Clear Improvement Mask